Arizona's New Immigration Law

MSNBC: For Migrants, New Law is just another Challenge

MSNBC’s article summarizes the challenges illegal immigrants face when they attempt to cross into the U.S. To most of these illegal immigrants, Arizona’s new immigration law, that wants to “discourage and deter unlawful entry to the United States,” (MSNBC, 2010) is just another obstacle to conquer on the way to freedom. The new law will give more power to police officers; officers who have “reasonable suspicion of a person’s immigration status can demand proof of legal residency” (MSNBC, 2010). However, Rafael Limón Corbalá, head of the regional migration office for the Mexican state of Sonora, does not believe this law will discourage illegal immigrants from crossing the border. To most immigrants, the risk and money are still better than the alternative.

FOX: Arizona Immigration Law Facing New Road Blocks

FOX’s article speaks of struggles to postpone Arizona’s strict immigration law. A referendum and law suit are now being launched that could postpone implementing the law until 2012. These proposals will go to federal court to prevent postponement of the law. Those who want to postpone the law feel “Arizona's law violates due-process rights by allowing suspected illegal immigrants to be detained before they're convicted” (FOX, 2010). Those who oppose Arizona’s new law have until late July, the same time the law will go into effect, to gain 76,000 signatures and delay the law until it would be on a voting ballot.

MSNBC’s article affects the reader on a personal level, with stories of determined immigrants trying to cross the border. It appeals to the personal challenge to gain a life of freedom, where the FOX article tells the struggles of those who oppose the bill from a political perspective. Although the appeals of both articles provide convincing arguments as to why the law should not be passed, I still believe it is important for America to become stricter with illegal immigrants. This may not mean pushing immigrants farther away, but making it easier for them to become a U.S. citizen. Perhaps if the process were easier, fewer would have to enter illegally.